It's Not Enough To Exercise; You Need To Stop Sitting TooWe first mentioned the new science of inactivity physiology just a month or two ago. Now a major research center has produced a study giving a strong boost to inactivity physiology. They did this by studying mortality rates among more than 17,000 Canadians for an average of 12 years. The results showed a linear relationship between sitting time and mortality rates. This was true for exercisers as well as non-exercisers. Conclusion: "In addition to the promotion of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and a healthy weight, physicians should discourage sitting for extended periods." Source: Medicine & Science In Sports & Exercise. More[1]

Exercise Limits Breast Cancer Deaths And OccurencesA powerful new study from Canada has shown that total physical activity--recreational exercise plus regular work and home activity--is strongly linked with breast cancer mortality. The more the women moved, the lower their breast cancer death rates, with the most active women enjoying a nearly 50 percent benefit over the least active. In addtion: "Prediagnosis recreational activity conferred a benefit for survival after breast cancer."Source: International Journal Of Cancer. More[2]

To Maintain Running Speed With Age, Do More Strength And Power TrainingA Finnish study of sprinters aged 17 to 82 has shown that they do a reasonably good job of maintaining stride frequency. However, their performances slow with aging, because they lose stride length while increasing the amount of time their feet are planted on the ground while running. Hence, the keys to maintaining speed are to hold onto muscle strength and explosive power. This can best be done through strength training and plyometric-type exercises. Source: Medicine & Science In Sports & Exercise. More[3]

Branched Chain Amino Acids Increase Lactate ThresholdExercise physiologists have been testing branched chain amino acids (BCAAs) and their possible role in improving endurance performance for 30 years or more, mostly with inconclusive results. This new Japanese study tilts the other way. Using a small sample of trained subjects in a double-blind, crossover, placebo-controlled study, the investigators found that the subjects had a higher vo2 max and lactate threshold while consuming a BCAA drink than while using a placebo drink. They concluded: "These results suggest that BCAA supplementation may be effective to increase the endurance exercise capacity." The formulation of the drink was not discussed. Journal Of Nutritional Science And Vitaminology. More[4]